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AnatomyHead and neckSkullForamen ovale
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AnatomyHead and neckSkullForamen ovale

Foramen ovale

Author: Roberto Grujičić, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Inferior view of the base of the skull [23:24]
Structures seen on the inferior view of the base of the skull.
Foramen ovale
1/4
Synonyms: none

The foramen ovale is an oval-shaped opening situated in the middle cranial fossa. More specifically, it is located in the greater wing of the sphenoid bone, lateral to the lingula and posterolateral to the foramen rotundum. 

The foramen ovale functions as the passageway for neurovascular structures which pass from the middle cranial fossa into the infratemporal fossa. These neurovascular structures usually include: 

Terminology English: Foramen ovale
Latin: Foramen ovale
Definition A large oval-shaped opening situated in the middle cranial fossa.
Contents The mandibular nerve (CN V3);
The accessory meningeal artery;
The lesser superficial petrosal nerve;
The emissary vein
Contents
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Learn about the other openings and features located in the base of the skull with the following study unit:

Inferior view of the skull Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Khairnar KB, Bhusari PA. An anatomical study on the foramen ovale and the foramen spinosum. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7(3):427-429. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2013/4894.2790
  • Frank H.Netter MD: Atlas of Human Anatomy, 5th Edition, Elsevier Saunders.
  • Drake RL, Vogl AW, Mitchell WMA. Gray’s anatomy for students. 4th ed. 2020.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. (2017). Clinically oriented anatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

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